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Entry Level Nursing Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Benedictine

CNA-NAR - Full-time, Evenings

Winona, MN · On-site

$20.23 - $21.98/hr

Our Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) are amazing and dedicated professionals that provide high ... Please keep in mind that entry-level candidates to this role should expect to be at the lower end ...

The Cottage Senior Living

CNA/HHA

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$20 - $23.50/hr

Home Health Aide (HHA) / Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) The Cottage Fergus Falls is seeking to ... Completion of on-site orientation program will be given to obtain desired entry level competency.

The Cottage Senior Living

CNA/HHA

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$20 - $23.50/hr

Home Health Aide (HHA) / Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) The Cottage Fergus Falls is seeking to ... Completion of on-site orientation program will be given to obtain desired entry level competency.

The Cottage Senior Living

CNA/HHA

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$20 - $23.50/hr

Home Health Aide (HHA) / Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) The Cottage Fergus Falls is seeking to ... Completion of on-site orientation program will be given to obtain desired entry level competency.

The Cottage Senior Living

CNA/HHA

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$20 - $23.50/hr

Home Health Aide (HHA) / Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) The Cottage Fergus Falls is seeking to ... Completion of on-site orientation program will be given to obtain desired entry level competency.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsNursing JobsEntry Level Nursing Assistant JobsEntry Level Nursing Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Entry Level Nursing Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$24.5K

$46.8K

$67.1K

How much do entry level nursing assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nursing assistant in Minnesota is $46,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $50,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level nursing assistant?

Entry level nursing assistants, often known as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), provide basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities typically include helping patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Entry level nursing assistants work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and play a key role in maintaining patient comfort and safety. They are essential in supporting both patients and nursing staff, ensuring efficient and compassionate care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level nursing assistant?

To thrive as an Entry Level Nursing Assistant, you need a basic understanding of patient care, vital sign monitoring, and infection control, usually obtained through a state-approved nursing assistant training program and certification (CNA). Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and standard medical equipment is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for building trust and supporting both patients and healthcare staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering safe, effective care and ensuring a positive healthcare environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level nursing assistants and how can they be managed?

Entry level nursing assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced healthcare environment, managing a physically demanding workload, and communicating effectively with patients and medical staff. To manage these, it’s helpful to develop strong organizational skills, seek support from more experienced colleagues, and stay proactive in asking questions or requesting guidance. Participating in team meetings and taking advantage of any offered training can also make the transition smoother and help build confidence in your role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nursing Assistant vs Certified Nursing Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Nursing AssistantCertified Nursing Assistant
CertificationsOften requires a state-approved training program; certification may be optionalRequires completion of a state-approved training program and passing a certification exam
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting patients with daily activities, basic patient careProviding basic patient care, reporting to nurses, assisting with activities of daily living

While both roles involve assisting patients and working in healthcare settings, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) has completed required training and obtained certification, often leading to more responsibilities and employment opportunities compared to an Entry Level Nursing Assistant, who may be in the initial stages of training or working under supervision.

Can you work as an entry level nursing assistant with no experience?

Entry level nursing assistants can often start with little to no prior experience, as training is typically provided on the job or through certification programs. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent and may require completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program and certification. Basic skills in communication, compassion, and the ability to follow instructions are important for success in this role.

Where to work as a first time entry level nursing assistant?

Entry level nursing assistants can find employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home health agencies. These settings typically require basic certifications like CPR and patient care skills, and they often offer on-the-job training for new workers.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Nursing Assistant jobs in Minnesota?

For Entry Level Nursing Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Nursing Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Nursing Assistant jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Nursing Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Nursing Assistant job openings:

Entry Level Nursing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nursing Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,846 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Nursing Assistant - Medical Surgical Float Pool

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$39K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide direct patient care and assist with clinical procedures across multiple inpatient units.

  • Monitor patient changes and report deviations or problems to the supervisor.

  • Help maintain safe and efficient operations in fast-paced care environments.

Job description

Join the Minneapolis VA Health Care System as a Medical-Surgical Float Pool Nursing Assistant, providing adaptable, high-quality support across multiple inpatient units. You will deliver direct patient care, assist with clinical procedures, monitor patient changes, and help maintain safe, efficient operations in fast-paced care environments.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
  • Experience, Education or Training. You must meet one of the following to meet the basic requirements for a Nursing Assistant (NA):
    1. Six (6) months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR,
    2. One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR,
    3. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.
GS-03 - None beyond the basic requirements. NAs at this grade NAs are considered entry-level and are closely supervised.
GS-04 - To qualify at the GS-4 level you must meet the following:
  • EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of experience as a Nursing Assistant or in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments. OR,
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of two (2) years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians.
AND, in addition you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
  1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.
  2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or residents' physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
  3. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc.
  4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals.
GS-05 - To qualify at the GS-5 level you must meet the following:
  • EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are directly related to the specific assignment. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to functioning as a member of the nursing care team and assisting licensed nursing staff and other members of the care team in the full range of nursing care of patients/residents receiving outpatient care, home, or community living care or other patients/residents who are receiving preventative, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. OR,
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree.
AND, in addition you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
  1. Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long-term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse.
  2. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new NAs by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting.
  3. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5.Education:IMPORTANT: If basing all or part of your basic qualifications on education or training, an unofficial copy of college transcripts showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the Nursing Assistant occupation or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant is required to verify you meet the basic qualification requirements.
If basing your qualifications on education at the GS-4 or -5 levels, you must submit a copy of all relevant transcripts with your application. You do not need to submit an official copy; however, your submitted transcript must include your name, name of school, name of program, total credits completed, date degree/certificate conferred. Your transcript will be reviewed for relevant coursework; therefore, the copy you submit must be legible.
Candidates who do not yet meet the basic education requirement but are currently enrolled in a post high school technical school, junior college, college, or university completing coursework related to the Nursing Assistant occupation, must provide proof of enrollment at the time of application.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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